How to Unclog a Bath Tub is hot topic, to be discussed in a WhatsApp or Quora, where people share their freightening and frustrating experiences about a clogged bathtub, especially when dearly need to have a shower or take a bath. Fortunately, you have our expert tips to deal with the situation and no need to call a plumber as the problem can be fixed in a jiffy.
There are several methods that you can rely on while finding ways how to unclog a bath tub. The products you need are easy to find at home or a store near you. Come, let’s check various methods to how to unclog a bath tub easily.
Method : How to Unclog a Bath Tub
- Using a Drain Claw
- Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
- Using Baking Soda
- Using a Toilet Plunger
- Cleaning Strainers and Stoppers
Method 1 : Using a Drain Claw
Step 1 : Remove the strainer
- Hair and soap most of the time, collect under the filter of the tub, which is placed in or over the drain. Though some filters can be cleaned manually, few do have screws that will require to be unscrewed, too. Remove the screws with the exact size screwdriver.
- If you do not know which type of screwdriver to engage, match the screwdriver to the screw head and decide for the best results.
- The size and shape of the screwdriver head get easily fit into the screw.
- Unscrew every screw surrounding the strainer until all of the gets loosened up. Then, put the screws in a safe box while you unclog the drain.
Step 2 : Remove the stopper
- Some drains have tub stoppers instead of filters, and these are also placed in the waste.
- These are easier to remove as they are not held down with any screws. You have to remove the stopper by twisting and lifting it to lace it somewhere safer till the unclogging is done…
Step 3 : Remove dirt/gunk around the strainer and stopper
A lot of dirt/gunk may have accumulated on the filter or stopper in due course. Clean hair or soap scum that you may observe by scrubbing the strainer and stopper depending on the situation.
Step 4 : Insert the drain stick down the drain
While inserting the drain stick, it will hit a drain trap, a curved part of the drain. You need to keep pushing the drain stick it as the rod is flexible and will bend.
Step 5 : Pull out the drain stick
- The claw of the drain stick has small interlocking hooks to grab hair, and it will pull the gunk out.
- Clean the drain stick and get rid of the dirt and gunk to use it again in the future.
- You have to keep it handy as the dirt and gunk keeps on accumulating within a few weeks.
Step 6 : Test the bathtub to check unclogging
Water should now move down the drain properly. If the result is not satisfactory, try another method.
Step 7 : Replace the cover or stopper
If it worked, you might replace strainer or stopper. Filters should be screwed back onto the top of the drain, and you may place the stopper back in the pipe.
Method 2 : Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Step 1 : Buy a chemical drain cleaner from the store
- Chemical drain cleaners unclog drains as they have chemicals like potassium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. When properly used, they will clear most drain clogs.
- Choose a type of drain cleaner from the local hardware or discount department store.
- Make sure the product is good for the drain and tub type, check the back of the cleaner.
- Buy a product specifically made for bathtubs.
- Any confusion …. which one to buy, ask an cleaner employee for help.
Step 2: Read the instructions on the back of the cleaner
The manufacturers instructions are slightly different for every type. You may need to wear protective goggles, stick to a definite quantity and so on. Reading the instructions on the back is essential before using the drain cleaner safely.
Step 3 : Remove any standing water from the bathtub
You may require take a bucket or large cup to remove any water remaining in the bathtub.
Step 4 : Pour the required amount of cleaner in bathtub drain
- Drano cleaner requires half of a bottle (32 oz) down a clogged drain whereas Crystal Lye Drain Opener requires only pour 1 tablespoon.
- Do not splash the chemical cleaner while opening the bottle and pouring the chemicals into the drain.
- Clean up spills as soon as possible.
- Wear gloves while handling chemicals.
Step 5 : Wait for results
Many cleaners say 15-30 minutes will suffice, so let the chemicals sit in the drain for this amount of time. Set a timer to keep track of time accurately.
Step 6 : Flush the drain with cold water
The drain should be working so wait for 15-30 minutes. Turn on the cold water faucet in the bathtub, and the water must immediately disappear down the drain.
Step 7 : Contact a professional plumber
If the drain has not been cleared, do not try to mix different chemicals. That can be dangerous, so do not try a different chemical cleaner before making the bathtub drain. At this point, you should call a professional plumber for assistance.
Method 3 : Using Baking Soda
Step 1 : Clean the strainer or stopper
You will find that hair and soap residue may have accumulated underneath the strainer or stopper, which is located in or over the drain. Remove any screws securing the filter, and remove the stopper by twisting and lifting it. Scrub any gunk or hair that has accumulated.
Step 2 : Boil water in a tea kettle
Fill the kettle to the top with water. There is no exact measurement of water one should use. Allow the water to come to a boil. You may use a large pot to boil water if you do not have a tea kettle.
Step 3 : Pour the boiling water directly into the drain
It is known for instantly unclogging the drain. Avoid splashing the hot water to avoid burns. Now, turn on the bathtub to check drainage.
Step 4 : Pour the mix in the drain
Pour cup of baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar into the drain when pouring hot water into the strain did not unclog it.
Step 5 : Wait 15-20 minutes
Allow the mixture of baking soda and vinegar to sit for 15-20 minutes. You may use a timer to keep track of the time.
Step 6 : Boil more water in the kettle
Fill the kettle up with water once again and bring it to a boil.
Step 7 : Pour hot water directly down the drain
The water will react with the baking soda and vinegar to unclog the drain. Test the bathtub to see if this method unclogged your waste, and try another way if you are not satisfied.
Method 4 : Using a Toilet Plunger
Step 1 : Scrub the strainer or stopper to remove any gunk
Remove any screws securing the filter with the proper screwdriver. Twist and lift the stopper to remove it for scrubbing the strainer and stopper to remove any hair and soap scum.
Step 2 : Fill the bathtub with a few inches of water
You want to fill the tub with just enough water to submerge the plunger; water is how the plunger gets suction.
Step 3 : Use the plunger to suck out obstructions in the drain
- Place the bowl of the plunger over the drain, and press and pull it rapidly. Dirty water and gunk will rush out of the waste while you are plunging it.
- After about ten plunges, check to see if dirty water and gunk is coming out of the drain.
- Consider adding more force if nothing is coming out of the drain.
- Keep plunging until the water drains when you remove the plunger.
- If the drain still unclogged, you may require to use a different method.
Method 5 : Cleaning Strainers and Stoppers
Step 1 : Remove the strainer
- The buildup of dirt/gunk on strainers and stoppers may cause slow drainage. Remove the screws around the filter with the screwdriver.
- Place the screws safely while you clean the filter. The stopper is more comfortable to remove because they are not held down with any screws, so simply remove the stopper by twisting and lifting it.
- Most bathtub drains have either a strainer or a stopper.
- This method is usually active on small clogs, so if your drain is severely clogged, it may not be as effective.
Step 2 : Clean excessive gunk around the strainer and stopper
A lot of dirt/gunk may have collected on the strainer or stopper. Clean any hair or soap scum; you may have to scrub the strainer and stopper.
Step 3 : Replace the cover or stopper
Filters will need to be re-screwed back onto the top of the drain, whereas you can just place the stopper back in the pipe.
Step 4 : Check if it worked
Turn on the water in the bathtub to check the drain for proper working condition. If not satisfied, you may need to call a professional cleaner.
Conclusion
After going through the above article, you guys now must be saying that our problem of how to unclog a bathtub has been solved. It is all because of you who have followed the steps very carefully.